Further Education Bursary

Applications for the 2019 bursary are now closed. Applications for the 2020 bursary will open on 1st August 2019

Each year, Vision Australia awards Further Education Bursaries to a select number of students who are blind or have low vision.

The bursaries provide adaptive technology to help the students fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies. Assistive technology can eliminate barriers to education and enhance access to information.
It enables students to read course material, conduct research and improve their student life.

Since the inception of the bursary scheme in 1996, over 370 students have been supported in their further education journey.

To learn more about the bursary program, watch this YouTube video, which features Vision Australia's chief executive officer, Ron Hooton.

Eligibility Criteria

Students of any age can apply for a Vision Australia Further Education Bursary.

Applicants must:

Be or become, a client of Vision Australia

Have a current (within the last 12 months) eye report on file with Vision Australia

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

Be enrolling to study at an institution in Australia

Be enrolling to study in at least Certificate IV or higher accredited courses including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (not a Foundation or Enabling course) at the start of the year or be already enrolled in such a course (preference may be given to those in the early stages of a course). The course must have a minimum 12 months remaining from January 2018 for those already enrolled

Be willing to be involved in publicity events and provide feedback and updates on their academic progress

Selection Criteria

The Bursary Committee will take the following criteria into consideration when making their selection, thus Applicants are advised to address these factors in their application:

1. Vision History

Vision loss or deterioration as it relates to your work or educational history.

2. Future goals

Reasoning behind course selection

Career prospects on completion of course.

3. Potential for success in chosen courses

Level of achievement demonstrated in previous results

Work experience

Academic awards, prizes or acknowledgement

Ability to successfully complete course.

4. Extra-curricular activities

Community service

Volunteer work

Raising a family

Music involvements

Languages

Sporting or other achievements.

5. Demonstrated need for the equipment

What if any adaptive technology have you used in the past

What if any accommodations have you received (for example alternative format text)

Justification of the need for any additional equipment beyond your current equipment